About AHURIO and it's work in the Rwenzori Region

Association of Human Rights Organizations (AHURIO) is a network of 16 human rights organizations in Ruwenzori Region, western Uganda. The association is operating in the seven districts of Kabarole, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Kyegegwa and Ntoroko. The association has a functional Executive Board and a General Assembly comprising representatives from member organizations.

AHURIO Staff at a civil society fair in Bundibugyo in 2012

Vision

Empowered society that respects human rights
Mission
To strengthen the capacity of member and non member organizations through research, capacity building, advocacy and lobbying, support to legal access.
Objectives
1. To empower local communities to demand and protect their rights

2. To collect, document and disseminate human rights through research, networking and policy reform.

3. To empower and strengthen indigenous and minority groups for justice and equity



AHURIO Staff (Scovia) in the middle conducting a baseline survey on the situation of Human Rights at Karugutu Sub County in Ntoroko District

Values

 Social justice and equity

1. Inclusiveness
2. Transparency
3. Accountability

Activities

 - Policy reform advocacy and research

- Sexual and reproductive health rights

- Institutional capacity building

- Civic engagement and governance

- Peace building and conflict resolution

- Children Rights

- Legal support to vulnerable communities

AHURIO Staff at a Christmass Dance at a Prison Party in Katojo in 2012

 AHURIO Staff sensitising Prisoners on their Rights at Katojo Prison in 2012

Since 2001, AHURIO has been at the forefront of promoting human rights in the Ruwenzori region through capacity building of member organizations, research and advocacy, provision of legal aid services, mediation, conflict management and peace building. AHURIO works in close collaboration with the Ugandan Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Service Provider Network and seeks to build synergies with other organizations and institutions to enhance human rights. In multiple ways, AHURIO has engaged all local governments, police, Prisons, NGOs, the judiciary and the public in Ruwenzori region to promote, protect and defend human rights.

In all its work and approaches, AHURIO envisions having a competent civil society, building a constant platform for civic engagement on human rights, accountable and transparent leadership and law reform to guarantee respect for human rights.

AHURIO has mediated over 200 individual human rights abuse cases, provided probono legal services to over 20 clients, created several avenues for communities to engage their leaders on matters of governance, leadership and human rights. Currently, AHURIO supports over 20 peace and human rights clubs in schools, 160 legal aid community own resource persons (LACORPS) and 50 human rights defenders in Ruwenzori region. Further, AHURIO is conducting research on intertribal and cultural conflict in the Ruwenzori region to inform its future human rights work in the region.

Currently, AHURIO together with Kabarole Research and Resource Centre, KANCA and RIDE-AFRICA are involved in a project called Face the Citizens Campaign which aims at improving citizen engagement with their elected leaders in the Rwenzori Region.

Capacity Building Training to HeadTeachers of Karambi Sub County, Kabarole District in Gender Sensitive Legal Literacy in 2012 supported by SOS Childrens Village

Member Organizations

1. Kabarole Research and Resource Centre
2. Kaguma Community Based Child Program
3. RIDE-AFRICA
4. Youth and Women Empowerment
5. Development Foundation for Young People
6. Ruroko Foundation for Peace and Justice
7. Rwenzori Forum for Peace and Justice
8. Good Hope Foundation for Rural Development
9. Parents Concern for Young People
10. Tooro Development Organization
11. Katwe Women Tukole
12. Literacy and Empowerment Program
13. Kana Foundation for Outreach Programs
14. African Development Linkage
15. Evangelisation Strategy for Africa
16. Initiative for Rural Development - Uganda (IRD-U)

Contact Address

Plot 31, Mugurusi Road (next to Buhinga Primary School)
P.O Box 514, Fort Portal – Uganda

Email: ahurioruwenzori@gmail.com